Good morning, Peoria.

A Peoria nurse hosted the 'Switch on the Joy' workshop on Saturday at OSF’s Jump Simulation Center to modify popular toys so kids with disabilities can play more easily—tools and over 100 donated toys were used and the finished toys were given free to families who registered, with plans to make the event an annual offering.

Peoria residents are advised to rake fall leaves during dry conditions and turn them into mulch or compost to recycle nutrients and help prevent weeds in the spring.

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, a University of Illinois horticultural expert, said a light layer (10 to 20 percent cover) is acceptable while thicker layers can block water and air.

High school football quarterfinal games were played Saturday, November 15 for all eight IHSA classes with winners advancing to the semifinals and state championships scheduled after Thanksgiving at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University — scores were reported across various matchups.

Sixty-four teams competed in the IHSA football playoff quarterfinals yesterday, with seven local schools, including Peoria High and Washington, playing in a state tournament.

Live updates detailed scores and weather—temperatures in the high 60s at kickoff that dropped into the 50s by game end—while digital tickets were available on NFHS Network.

On Saturday, Tremont High School’s girls’ volleyball team earned its first state trophy at CEFCU Arena in Normal after finishing fourth in the tournament.

Junior Hayden Alwerdt led with 12 kills and 40 assists—concluding a historic season with a 23-19 record.

The Illinois High School Association has set the semifinal matchups for the state football playoffs to be played on Saturday, November 22—game times will be announced over the weekend as teams from classes 1A to 8A get ready to compete.

Wheel Thrown Lidded Jars Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials — Elevate your pottery skills by crafting unique, functional lidded jars over two specialized sessions.

Sparkle & Sip Soirée – Peoria's Festival of Trees 2025

9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. — Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie — $75 per ticket or $600 for a table of ten — Enjoy a lively brunch with bubbly, raffles, and live entertainment while supporting local families.

Clay Den 1-Year Anniversary Celebration

1-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — Free entry — Celebrate creativity and community with live music, special offers, and a holiday food drive.

Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check event webpage for details — Create a festive fused glass dish for holiday treats while enjoying a fun class atmosphere.

Thanksgiving Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 a.m.-12 p.m. — The Clay Den — Registration required — A creative 2-day camp that introduces kids to ceramics with hands-on clay activities.

Thanksgiving Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Kids will explore ceramics through hands-on projects like sculpting and wheel throwing.

The Elite Chocolate Turkey 3 Mile Run

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — RC Outfitters — $33.20+ — Start your Thanksgiving with a spirited 3 Mile Run or a 1 Mile Walk, featuring chocolate treats and community fun.

Black Friday Bodega Bash

9 AM – 2 PM — Art at the Bodega — $50 fill-the-bag — Enjoy holiday fun with swag bags, prizes, and festive treats.

Evansville Thunderbolts vs Peoria Rivermen

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Thunderbolts take on the Rivermen in this hockey showdown.

Thanksgiving Wheel Throwing Class

2-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 for one piece, additional creations for $15 each — Craft festive pottery while enjoying a playful Thanksgiving-themed class.